Environmental Health and Safety

One of only 30 Nationally Accredited

William Gordon is a 2013 MSSU graduate in Environmental Health. His interest in environmental health came about during his time in the military. He saw the living conditions and problems of the communities with challenges in Environmental Health.

Providing clean drinking water and eliminating bug infestations became his focus. He began his search for a degree that would give him the knowledge to help.

William took online and on-campus courses to complete his degree. His goal now is to use his education to help the military to solve these pressing environmental health problems.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health at MSSU is one of ONLY 30 environmental health degrees in the United States accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC).

It is the ONLY EHAC-accredited undergraduate degree offered both on campus and online (45 hours for degree completion).

Some agencies such as the U.S. Public Health Service will hire only graduates of accredited schools for positions in environmental health.

EHAC accreditation allows Environmental Health majors to apply for premier internships with the U.S. Public Health Service. This often leads to very successful careers with the federal government and top job placement.

Accreditation by this council is recognized by the military and the public health sector as a means of entry into the Environmental Health Officer position.

EHAC accreditation also allows seniors to take the Missouri Certified Environmental Health Specialist Exam which normally requires two years of experience before eligibility.

The Hazardous Material Safety course is a review of information that is useful when taking the Hazardous Material Manager-in-Training (HMMT) exam. This credential, along with job experience, prepares the graduate to take the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) exam. The HMMT and CHMM credentials are recognition of your expertise and commitment to the protection of public safety and the environment as well as a boost your career.

Job placement rates for graduates of Missouri Southern’s EH&S program are high - the median salary of graduates is $40,000 in their first year of employment. Nationally, EH&S professionals make as much as $100,000 a year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental health-related careers will grow 19% over the next 10 years.

Join a Growing Career Field

Careers that are availabile both in government and industry to those with degrees in Environmental Health & Safety include:

Environmental Specialists

Environmental Scientists

Air Pollution Specialists

Surface Water Specialists

Toxicologists

Industrial Hygenists

Epidemiologists

Occupational Safety Experts

Food Safety Experts

Emergency Management Specialists

Hazardous & Solid Waste Specialists

Drinking & Ground Water Specialists

Proven Success

Graduates of the Environmental Health and Safety program at Missouri Southern have a 97% Job Placement Rate!

Teachers and Learners

MSSU Environmental Health Faculty have a minimum of 10 years industry experience. Many of the major specific courses include a “hands on” lab. Students are also eligible to join the Environmental Health Club at MSSU. This club provides peer support through meetings and group activities. They take trips and perform environmental health-related activities.